This paper explores the integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into cognitive cyber-physical production systems (C-CPPS) to improve operational efficiency, decision making and autonomous capabilities in modern manufacturing. GenAI, one of the fastest advancing technologies, has impacted various sectors, including industry and education, by supporting content generation and automating complex processes through data analytics. With the ability to reduce the need for human intervention, GenAI offers significant potential to improve C-CPPS, which combines physical production processes with intelligent digital components. The main objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive framework for C-CPPS that fully integrates GenAI at all levels of cyberspace. The paper begins with an overview of the architecture and applications of C-CPPS, followed by an introduction to GenAI and its potential role in this context. The proposed C-CPPS framework emphasises the function of GenAI in autonomous decision making and task execution, limiting human involvement to supervision and monitoring. Implementation challenges and bottlenecks in the integration of GenAI are identified with suggested pathways for future research are proposed to address these obstacles. This work contributes to the development of self-regulating smart manufacturing environments and supports the industry’s transition to Industry 5.0 by providing a structured approach to GenAI-enhanced C-CPPS.